Epstein-Barr virus appears to be trigger of lupus disease, say scientists

10 days ago

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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is identified as a trigger for lupus, an autoimmune disease.
EBV causes immune cells to mistakenly attack the body's own tissues.
The study suggests EBV is involved in 100% of lupus cases, potentially revolutionizing treatments.
Lupus affects about 69,000 people in the UK, causing symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes.
EBV's link to lupus was uncovered at a cellular level, showing how it sends the immune system into overdrive.
EBV is a common virus, infecting most people by adulthood and remaining dormant in cells.
The study found EBV more prevalent in autoreactive B cells in lupus patients compared to healthy individuals.
EBV activates autoreactive B cells, driving the autoimmune response in lupus.
Other risk factors for lupus include gender (more common in women) and ethnic background (higher risk in African, Caribbean, or Asian populations).
The findings could lead to new treatments, including EBV vaccines and repurposed cancer therapies targeting B cells.

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